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They repeated their call on EU governments to embrace a "cost-effective integrated approach towards cars and CO2", which they claim would result in larger environmental gains and "safeguard investments and employment" in Europe.

Sergio Marchionne, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and CEO of FIAT, said:
"The EU objective to bring carbon emissions from cars down to 120 grammes per kilometre is achievable through an Integrated Approach and we fully support that route. The key elements of such a comprehensive approach are improved car technology, infrastructure changes, a more efficient driving style, CO2-related taxation and the greater use of biofuels."

This year's motor show was awash with green concept cars and greener real cars using biofuels, hydrogen, hybrid, lighter materials and technolgy to improve performace, such as regenerative braking.

The CEOs emphasised:
"We are strongly committed and take our responsibility very seriously. We count on a EU policy that supports our efforts. There is a lot at stake for both the environment and the economy."

The issue the automotive industry have with calls to move away from dependence on fossil fuel is the time it takes to develop the new technology required.  The CEOs said: "Sufficient lead-time is indispensable ahead of legislation that is this important. Possibly, a phase-in could be considered. Lead-time is a common practice around the world. The Government of Japan has agreed on new CO2 requirements with the car industry last year resulting in average emissions of 138 grammes CO2 per kilometre from 2015."

The CEOs explained that, within a future policy framework, cars should stay accessible to consumers to ensure fleet renewal. The effect of possible legislation would have to be neutral as far as competition between manufacturers is concerned. CO2 reductions from cars should be related to the differentiation in the car portfolio of the EU manufacturers with a parameter based approach, and manufacturers should be able to average the CO2 performance of their fleet.

The ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, DaimlerChrysler, FIAT Group, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Volkswagen Group and Volvo Group. They provide direct employment to more than 2.3 million people and support another 10 million jobs in related sectors. ACEA members yearly invest €20 billion in R&D, or 4% of turnover.<